One Piece: I'm not Roger

Seeing that Hancock was already wavering, Aether continued listing his reasons.

"Besides the Seraphim, Vegapunk is also developing a weapon capable of destroying entire nations. The Calm Belt, which once served as Amazon Lily's natural shield, can no longer stop the Marines from invading. As my woman, the World Government will definitely place you at the top of their target list."

"Aether..."

Their intertwined hands tightened around each other.

The intimate atmosphere left the other three women curious. Although they did not understand love very well, Hancock's status as the Pirate Empress made them too intimidated to stare openly, so they could only sneak occasional glances.

Gloriosa, however, had no mood to care about romance. The information she had just heard made her scalp tingle.

First the Seraphim, now a weapon capable of erasing nations.

Considering Hancock's relationship with Aether, the Pirate King's successor and one of the most dangerous men in the sea, Amazon Lily would undoubtedly become a major target of the World Government.

Gloriosa muttered under her breath.

"So Vegapunk is really that terrifying..."

After a long discussion, everyone finally reached a decision.

Hancock picked up two cups of sake, handed one to Aether, and spoke with complete seriousness.

"Our Amazon Lily will relocate to your territory, Aether. In exchange for your protection, the Kuja Pirates will become your subordinate crew and fight under your banner from this day onward."

Seeing Hancock make such a firm decision, Aether did not stop her.

Before becoming his woman, she was first and foremost the Empress of Amazon Lily.

Still, Aether could not resist adding his own touch to the ceremony.

Instead of drinking normally, he linked arms with Hancock like a newlywed couple sharing ceremonial wine.

Their bodies drew close, their noses lightly brushing against each other.

Hancock's beautiful face instantly turned red.

"I, Augustus D. Aether, accept the loyalty of Boa Hancock, Pirate Empress of Amazon Lily. From this day onward, I will protect the people of Amazon Lily."

"I, Boa Hancock, dedicate everything I have to the man I love, Augustus D. Aether."

As the ceremony ended, the bond between the two became even deeper.

The entire island of Amazon Lily quickly entered a state of mobilization. Countless people began packing supplies, resources, and goods cultivated from the surrounding seas.

The relocation would take roughly half a month.

The one responsible for moving the island itself was none other than the Golden Lion, Shiki.

Once they arrived in the New World, Aether planned to grant Hancock another island he had already chosen beforehand. At that point, Amazon Lily would possess two territories.

Naturally, getting the old lion to help was not free.

Shiki's condition had been bizarre as always. He wanted Aether to help him search for replacement legs in the future, a request Aether found disturbingly shameless.

A week later, everything within Aether's territory remained peaceful.

With sufficient funding now available, construction and military development advanced rapidly.

Once Shiki personally arrived, Aether departed together with Hancock while listening to the old pirate complain nonstop. Hancock would accompany him for the remainder of the journey.

On a small but technologically advanced ship, Hancock silently watched as Amazon Lily rose into the sky under Shiki's Devil Fruit powers.

The entire island floated away along with tens of thousands of its citizens.

Only Devil Fruits could create such unbelievable miracles.

Moving mountains and shifting seas was not merely legend.

"Aether," Hancock suddenly asked, "since you know so much about Vegapunk's research, you wouldn't simply allow him to complete such terrifying weapons, would you?"

"Of course not. I've considered capturing Egghead before his inventions are fully unveiled. But doing so would mean starting an all-out war against the Marines. Right now, we still aren't ready to fight the World Government head-on."

"As expected."

Hancock gently wrapped her arms around him before continuing.

"Then have you thought about stealing Vegapunk's creations instead?"

Aether smiled faintly.

As expected of Hancock, she understood him perfectly.

"I already have plans. According to my intelligence, the Seraphim can have their command authority reassigned. As long as we obtain them, they can become our weapons instead."

Aether paused briefly before continuing.

"And one of those Seraphim resembles you when you were younger. I refuse to let the World Government use her as a tool for evil."

Naturally, Aether did not mention one particular detail.

That Seraphim looked exactly like a younger Hancock, except with darker skin and a rebellious appearance.

A few days later, the two continued traveling through the first half of the Grand Line.

They passed several islands along the estimated route but still failed to locate their target.

After wasting days searching, even Aether could not hide his disappointment.

Behind him, Hancock wore a fitted purple dress that perfectly accentuated her alluring figure. She gently hugged him from behind in comfort.

"If we can't find it, then forget it. But what exactly are you searching for?"

Aether had no intention of hiding it from her.

"This was only a temporary plan I came up with after receiving insider information."

"I'm searching for the island where Akainu and Aokiji are dueling. According to the intelligence I received, they fought several days ago to determine who would become the next Fleet Admiral."

To estimate the location, Aether had invested considerable manpower and resources into tracing possible routes.

Hancock looked genuinely surprised.

"You're planning to attack both Admirals?"

"If the opportunity presents itself, then yes. Capturing two Marine Admirals, especially the future Fleet Admiral, would make things very interesting."

Aether then glanced toward Hancock.

"By the way, how is your training with Advanced Conqueror's Haki progressing?"

The moment the topic came up, Hancock's expression immediately became frustrated.

"It's difficult. I've only managed to grasp part of the technique so far. Actually using it properly is still very hard."

Her reaction almost made Aether laugh.

Hancock believed she was progressing slowly, but her speed was already monstrous.

After all, Hancock was personally being taught by Aether, someone whose mastery of Conqueror's Haki had already reached an absurd level.

During the half month they spent together, Aether had not only deepened their relationship but also dedicated himself to teaching her the techniques behind Advanced Conqueror's Haki.

Even for him, guiding another person to master such power was extremely difficult.

Fortunately, Hancock possessed overwhelming talent.

Her physical abilities had already reached the level of a Yonko Commander, while the intensity of her Conqueror's Haki stood among the highest in the world.

At present, she could already condense a rough, incomplete form of Advanced Conqueror's Haki.

Aether had absolute confidence in her future.

Once Hancock fully mastered the technique, reaching Admiral level would no longer remain a fantasy.

With nothing else to occupy their time, the two resumed their intimate training.

Aether carefully guided her through each step involved in controlling Advanced Conqueror's Haki.

As their bodies gradually heated from the close contact, a distant island suddenly appeared on the horizon, interrupting Aether's wandering hands.

The island looked like a world split between fire and ice.

An incredible sight.

Aether's eyes immediately lit up.

From the island came the violent sounds of battle, while several massive Marine warships remained anchored nearby.

"Hancock," Aether said with a smile, "looks like our luck finally turned around."

"Mm."

===

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